Kaneko Breaks Through
The Japanese rising star turned a near miss into a career-defining victory with nerves of steel in the Austrian Alps.
Paju, Korea - Kota Kaneko captured his first DP World Tour title with a two-shot victory at the 2026 Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbühel Tirol after a closing three-under-par 67 secured an 18-under total at Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith in Austria.
The 23-year-old arrived fresh from a runner-up finish at the Soudal Open and backed it up with the biggest win of his career, becoming the ninth Japanese player to win on the DP World Tour. Ricardo Gouveia and Davis Bryant shared second place on 16 under.
“I just can’t believe it, I didn’t think I would win and I’m still very surprised,” Kaneko said after sealing the breakthrough triumph.
The final round developed into a tense battle as Gouveia, Bryant, Max Steinlechner and Bernd Wiesberger all threatened the lead. Kaneko responded with birdies at the 12th and 13th before producing one of the decisive moments of the day at the par-three 16th, where he holed a chip shot to regain sole possession of first place. He then parred his way home despite a nervy finish after finding trouble near the 18th green.
Kaneko admitted fortune played a role at key moments but believes he handled the challenges well. “On the 16th I was just trying to make par. I knew I hit it hard, but it went in, so I was lucky but sometimes you need things to go your way out there,” he said. Looking ahead, he added: “I’d like to thank all the fans this week; they’ve been a big support to help me win this tournament. I want to push on now and get a second win this season. I hope I can continue to play well.”